I've been going to this barber shop for 15 years. Great haircuts at great prices if all you want is "businessman's" haircut. Joe and Wing are both excellent barbers. It's in the basement of what used to be the Pasadena YMCA. The building is now a bit seedy, but next door to City Hall, so it's safe enough. The haircuts are so cheap I always leave a generous tip, so I walk out feeling good about myself... and with a good haircut. read more

Service was excellent and the haircut was done just as I asked. Classic old style barbershop that was at a decent price ($20).

This little shop is right out of the golden age of barbers, right down to the twirly blue, red and white sign. I walked right in and immediately was welcomed and seated. Joe has been cutting hair for 30 years at this location and he had some stories to tell. I loved the older glitter/golden vinyl chairs and the station set ups from another era. Strange part was he faced me away from the mirror so I couldn't see what he was doing, and it took a long time for my hair cut... maybe because Joe was being very careful? Idk. In the end, my hair looks fine, but I'm not too fussy cause it grows back I've heard ;-) My basic cut was $20, and I paid $1.25 for street parking. read more

Old YMCA Barber Shop - Barbers Near Me - Pasadena, California

First time here located below the old ymca l, hence the name. 2 guys working there were cool as hell and funny, great old-school cut i dont need anything fancy being 36. 20 bucks plus 5 tip, dont have to break the bank. Parking is kind of crappy cause all the cops and parking police but thats most places in dena. Anyways yeah found a new barber not paying 50 bucks for the same thing, its gotten crazy. read more

Sweetest guys at this barbershop. Experienced old school kind of cuts. We came from out or town and glad we chose here. read more

I've been coming here for over 10 years and Wing has always been my barber. He's reliable and gives a good cut.

The best. Joe used to be a drummer with Cubby O'Brien's band. Can cut hair and sing "Sincerely" with you at the same time. A real old time barber shop. read more

Wing is now at Mentor Barber on Catalina off of Colorado. Turns out he was unavailable when I needed a haircut for a JOB INTERVIEW.... ...so, I went to Ampelia at YMCA. I bring this up because I have been going to Old YMCA for over 7 years. I started with Joe and quickly moved over to waiting on Chau or Wing. Best haircuts ever! Joe has pretty much retired and Wing and Chau are gone. Back to Ampelia..... I'll admit that I should go more often, but I was growing my hair out until I needed a professional look. I arrived to find Ampelia and her helper watching TV in a dirty, empty shop and was greeted with "he's not here", to my confusion, followed by an explanation that she thought I had just called asking for Wing....which made even less sense. She then, while looking at her sweeper, gestured at the middle chair, and said to take a seat. I guess she was asking him to sweep up the area (because that's what he did) while telling me to sit (because that's what I did)? It was all very confusing. Given the drastic cut I was planning, I mentioned my job interview and pulled out my phone to show her a few similar styles that I was hoping for when she asked from behind me. She said "OK" and started quickly shearing off BIG chunks of hair....she's been doing this barber thing for a while and knows what she's doing, right? No. I walked out with a close cropped haircut nothing like the pics I had shown her and I kind of got the impression that she wasn't looking as I described what I wanted. I left her a $20 ($17 plus tip) and went home to take a better look. After a shower, my GF had to finish Ampelia's work....trimming long locks of hair pushing through the short haircut and uneven sideburns with weird slants. It really did look like a 5-10 minute haircut and I kind of want some of my money back. I'm a little sad to say that I will NEVER walk into that shop again. We had a good run Old YMCA, but I think maybe it's time to turn off the sign now that the barbers are gone and let the professionals cut people's hair. read more

Wing still works there. Me and my two sons got our haircuts this weekend. He always does a great job. read more

Old YMCA Barber Shop - Barbers Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Best barbershop in town. No, really, they're the best. All these new and flashy barber shops that have popped up lately, they're just scams. Imagine paying $20 for a basic haircut. The two old timers who run this joint have been cutting hair for decades, still going strong. I hope they never retire. I got my hair cut there as a kid, and I've been all over many places for haircuts since, but they just have that master skill with scissors, razor and all. They're also still relatively cheap, despite coronavirus and inflation. $14 for a good haircut, before coronavirus and inflation it was like $12-13. Even with hair products added in it's still below $20. Need to go there again soon. I was born and raised in Pasadena, live in Riverside now, but I'll take the train just to get my hair cut here, cause they do it best. Especially the older Asian guy, Wing, I hope he lives to 100, still cutting hair. Good place for veterans, too. read more

I've been going to the Old YMCA Barber Shop for 19 years, and I can tell you that whoever wrote that "these guys lived up to the hype" and that this is the real deal, the old school, is correct. This isn't some immaculate faux-vintage startup run by poseurs, this is a man's barber shop that has been around since the Kennedy administration. It's not trying to be old school, it IS old school. You're stepping into a room that probably hasn't changed much since its opening in 1960, down to the Belmont barber chairs, upholstered long ago in gold vinyl, the kind with the armrest-ashtrays. But the most important thing is that Wing and Joe are excellent barbers (I've had my hair cut by both of them). They're also two of the coolest old guys around. The atmosphere is laid-back and the mood is mellow, interspersed with some droll observations and an occasional regular wandering in. Late in the afternoon the sun booms into the tiny shop through the front door, giving the place a warm, comfortable feel. Above-ground basement level; look for the barber pole just above the sidewalk on the N.E. corner of Holly and Marengo. $18 (as of Nov 2021). read more

It was a really cool place. A throwback to old fashion Barber shops. Love the vibe, but my only challenge was I didn't get the best haircut.

I like to support local businesses. This is one of those no frills basic places to get a haircut. Come in, sit down and get out. No hairstyling, no gel , just a haircut. It's a good cut. Next time I will spend the extra few bucks and go somewhere else. Rating is based on what I wanted versus what I got. read more

I moved to LA from AZ and I was looking for a great barbershop that cut great fades, tapers, or gentleman cuts in case I had to go to a wedding or special event. I'm very picky with my hair so you would never see me walk into a Greatclips, Style America, BuzzCuts, or any franchise shop for that matter since most employees don't really spend the time and precision to give a great cut or build a great relationship. I gave this shop a try since it had a old school vibe and my gut was telling me it may be a good place. 3 years later, I continue getting my hair cut here and I would recommend it to anyone. Ampelia is definitely my barber but everyone in the shop is just as qualified. Conversations and service make you feel like you're at home with your family. 5 STARS. read more

Old YMCA Barber Shop - Great shop for fades and tapers. Ask for Ampelia. - Barbers Near Me - Pasadena, California

Joe and Lee are bomb and are funny as hell. I miss this place so much. Sometimes there was a line but it's worth the wait.

This is as good as it gets for $16 haircuts in the area. It is a legit old school barber shop. I've been going for about two years, but it looks like there are regulars who have been going for many, many, many more years. I recommend Wing, though to be fair he's the only one I've had (due to a recommendation). He likes to crack jokes, and is fairly consistent from cut to cut. And he doesn't dwell too long, so you're usually in and out. One tip is to avoid going right when it opens, because lots of other guys have the same idea. It's actually faster when you go later in the day vs. the morning. Cash only. read more

The haircut it self was satisfactory. The process of getting the look was pure misery; I don't know what kind of clipper Wong was using but every time he went by with a 0 i felt pain, it felt like he was stabbing me, he left me marks. Definitely, the last time I come here. read more

These guys are the best! Thanks so much, Joe, for taking such good care of my Dad, Tom, while he and my mom were visiting from Houston. Since his 2 strokes, he has difficulty shaving and you and Ampelia went the extra mile to help. We can't thank you enough. Thanks for all the laughs to boot. Wishing you all the best... read more

Old YMCA Barber Shop - Joe and A. took such great care of my Dad! Thanks again and again! - Barbers Near Me - Pasadena, California

Small and hidden, this 2 chair barbershop has been around for ages, but you'd never know it by its unassuming location, tucked into the basement corner of a government building. The guys are legit. Old school. No nonsense, yet willing to chat, they get right down to the business and do a fine job. Now that I've been twice, I have to say that both cuts were sharp and solid. You won't pay through the nose, but don't expect Supercuts prices either. Cash only. read more

This place is great, and very reasonable. I have had my hair cut by all the barbers, the two remaining are both good, but Wing was always the best. Wing is now at Mentor Barber Shop in Pasadena. If Wing was still there, this would be five stars hands down. read more

Men's barber shop, haircuts for $12. I had Joe cut my hair. Seemed like a nice enough guy. Sure likes to chat it up about family, politics, food, healthcare you name it. He did have some opinions for sure but who doesn't? I'd go back. read more

Old YMCA Barber Shop - Barbers Near Me - Pasadena, California

I read some reviews about these guys online, and they lived up to the hype. This place is smaller than my apartment living room, but awesome-er than anything for the same price. This is the real-deal old-school barber shop. It smelled like my shaving cream when I walked in. I got a $12 haircut from "Wing," with which I was very pleased. A little hard to find if you're new to the area. There down to the left from the stairs of the YMCA building near City Hall. read more

The woman that works there, she is bad. Cant listen to simple instructions. I got a bad haircut from her a year ago, she shaved too much off the back. I get it, maybe she was day dreaming. Yesterday, i go in. Wing isn't there. I'm on a time crunch for a wedding so I give her a second chance I'm willing to give people second chances I ask her specifically not to shave too high to leave my part alone and I even showed her physically by pointing to my head what does she do she shaves off my part and now I have this new haircut that all the kids are running around with which is exactly what I didn't want. She can't listen to simple instructions and if you can't listen to instructions you should not cut hair. WING ON THE OTHER HAND, IS THE REALLY GOOD. GO TO HIM!! read more

Joe cut my hair. I take off my glasses during the haircut so I can't quite see what is going on. By the end of the cut, the sides were severely uneven. I don't fuss. Things like that can be fixed. But what bothered me most was that after asking Joe about it, he agreed and hadn't a clue about what to do. He started using different clipper levels and voiced his concern to why it wasn't working. Wing ultimately came over and saved the day. Let's just say, Wing will do all the cutting from now on. read more

Found this place in 08. Never knew about it since ive been living in Dena my whole life. But since the discovery ive been going to Chau. Gives the tightest fade. Only barber i trust with my hair. But if you looking for a conversation, real man talk this is the place to go or just to relax and have a smoke with the barbers. Good staff/people. Interesting stories. read more

Old YMCA Barber Shop - Barbers Near Me - Pasadena, California

My barber left and opened his own shop so I haven't been in here in awhile. read more

Old YMCA Barber Shop - Classic barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Pasadena, California

I forgot who cut my hair...he's the barber farthest from the door - thin Asian dude sportin' glasses. Real nice, easy with the conversation, and most importantly: gives a good clean cut. Each barber has their own schedule (which is displayed on the mirror at the top, near their name). Small lil' joint. They have like...3-4 chairs. Good ventilation though - didn't see a bathroom but I think there is one. I mean c'mon...where are they going to pee? $13 for what I got (zero fade), and he did an amazing job. Felt good afterwards, felt great! Felt like a man. Roar. Cash only please. Thank you for your time. Hope my review was helpful in some way, because I know it ain't funny or cool. read more

This spot is awesome, it is hard to find but worth it. I asked for Chau due to some other posts here and wasn't disappointed. He knows what he's doing, clean cut and taper, and I mean clean. I grew my hair long because I couldn't find a good barber or shop. I cut it short again last year, and still had problems finding a place I could walk out satisfied from, until now. And to think I was about to drop $50+ dollars at that fancy mansalon... instead dropped under $20 with tip and got the haircut I've always wanted. Good looking out Chau. read more

I moved to Pasadena 1 year ago. Of course I had to find not only a new dry cleaning spot, but I also had to locate a new barbershop. Thank the man upstairs for yelp! I found this barbershop on Yelp and decided to try it. After all, it had the highest rating in town Now I know why! This place gives great haircuts! I get my haircut there every time now. 3 barbers they are all cool guys. Chou cuts my hair and I always leave satisfied with my haircut! This place is worth it read more

Honestly, I was expecting more. I usually try to go to old-school style barbershops to get my haircut. I had never been to this one though I had walked by it several times before. While serving jury duty I decided to stop in and get my haircut. I came in around 930 and there was no wait, the haircut only took about 10 minutes but wasn't that great. I've gotten better haircuts for less. Frankly I think $16 is kind of expensive but hey, we are in Pasadena so everything is more expensive. I'm guessing they don't have their top talent working in the morning, if I'm ever in the area again in the afternoon I may give this place another chance. read more

I have been looking for a barbershop that is literally close to where I live ever since I got out of the military. I want to look clean but have some kind of style at the same time so I have been driving to either Claremont or Reseda, where I get my haircut every 2 months. I realized I have been wasting gas and time when this awesome old school feel of a barbershop is right here. I walked in and showed a picture to the barber, who's name is Wing, the kind of haircut I'd like to have. As soon as he started cutting my hair, he asked if I was in the military and I responded with "awhile back". That opened a door of conversation and he made me feel at home. We had conversation about military and how he has a lot of customers that were and/or are still in. As we were talking, his hands were moving and I was just waiting for some mistakes to be made. When you go to a barbershop or hair salon or anyone to take care of your hair for the first time, you'd be nervous too. However, as he finished cutting my hair, I saw a glimpse of my majestic head with an awesome haircut. He made me look good and I'm so glad he was able to clean me up because I'm definitely coming back here! read more

Great place to get a cut. Got that authentic friendly neighborhood barbershop feel to it. No frills to what they do - not a place to get a fancy fade or shaved in design or a mustache/beard perm or whatever is people do nowadays - just a cut the way you want it. Joe, Wing and Ampy are awesome and very accommodating. Also a great place to get a haircut for your kids - pic again shows how accommodating they are for that too. read more

Old YMCA Barber Shop - Yes, she set up outside to cut his hair. Really nice of Ampy to do that. - Barbers Near Me - Pasadena, California

Perfection. America's finest when it comes to a simple hair cut. You are treated like a person and not a walking credit card. I'll be getting my hair cut here as long as I live in Pasadena for sure. Warning: The barbers are full of character. If you can't handle that and you would rather be on your iPhone the whole time.. go pay $30 for a men's cut at a creepy solon with wood paneling, marble and all that jazz. Just sayin. read more

Where did Wing go? Looking for our favorite barber. Please keep me posted is anyone hears where he went!!

I just needed a medium fade, skin tight. He doesn't know how to taper or fade. He just knows how to cut numbers. If you are looking for a good taper fade, this is not the place. This is just like a supercuts where they ask you what number you want. Do not go here for tapered fades. He did my hair in 3 mins, and he did not know what "skin tight" meant. This was the worst haircut I have ever experienced. read more

I used to get my hair cut by Wing. But now I get it cut by Ampelia and she is awesome!!! Great barber and fun to talk to!

I only get my haircut here when i'm in LA! been with a lot of barbers and no one takes care of me better then Wing. Highly reccomend coming here. Great people and great enviornment. I look forward to my visits here. read more

Wing is The Man! I've been getting my hair cut there for about 12 years now. Always a good haircut. sometimes there is a line for Wing. Joe is cool when he's not talking about politics. You have to check him as he can get borderline racist when he talks about Mexican immigrants. (he's Boriqua) Just hit him with some facts and he'll change the subject. He can only repeat what O'reillyhannitybecklimbaugh say. Chau is hilarious. He always checks Joe. I have to admit, I'd give the place 5 stars if Joe's rants didn't get on my nerves. Go on a Sunday if you can. They close early, (2:30) but there's free street parking. If you go on Saturday, there's free parking on Marengo in front of the church. read more

I have been coming here to see Chau for the last 4 years. He's a great barber. However, I just found out that Chau is no longer working here, he's now working in South Pasadena. Shoot him an email to schedule a haircut with him: the_tiny07@yahoo.com read more

Finally!! An actual barbershop and not some fancy place where cosmetologists cut your hair! Ya it's a hole in the wall, but who cares, $12 cut, great fading and they take their time on your hair. I love it read more